The conflict between the Alliance and Horde is really heating up in 5.1. In the recent PTR patch, vendors were added in Krasarang Wilds that sell zone-specific PvP items, and we datamined a few more quest chains charting the story developments in this area. (Edit: This article was updated 11/28 with finalized Commendation items and prices.)

Krasarang Wilds PvP Rewards

As you quest in Krasarang's PvP areas, you'll loot commendations from enemy NPCs and players. These commendations are only acquired from looting--they are not quest rewards. Players can turn them into items that buff other players, increase their base's defenses, and even give players additional reputation quests. Proveditor Grantley and Ongrom Black Tooth sell these items.

These items are dropped by Horde NPCs and players. They can be turned into Proveditor Grantley for items that reinforce your base, buff players, or offer additional quests.

Legendary Quests

To proceed with the legendary questline, Wrathion wants you to hit Revered with The Black Prince by killing the opposing faction in Krasarang Wilds. This seems like it will take a while, so you might as well get your 5.1 dailies done while working on it.

Level 90 characters are working once again on the PTR, so we took a look at the new developments in Stormwind, Orgrimmar, and Krasarang Wilds. There's two major features that we found: Brawler's Guild and Krasarang Wilds PvP Hubs. From what we've seen, it looks like the Alliance is getting a lot of love when it comes to these new areas that show off combat and PvP skills--their areas show that they've rebounded from Theramore.

Krasarang Wilds: New PvP Hubs

A large part of 5.1 is about the Alliance and Horde conflict escalating to the point where they've set up military bases on the shores of Krasarang Wilds.

Alliance

Horde

Like the opening sequence, the Alliance daily hub is still a work in progress, but we have some quests up for both factions. Check out ptr.wowhead.com for a look at all the new 5.1 quests with objectives and NPC dialogue.

Krasarang Wilds is a coastal jungle with tranquil beaches and dense rainforests. It used to be the center of the sinister Mogu Empire, but now it houses the sacred Temple of the Red Crane, revered as a place of wisdom.

Originally intended to be part of Valley of the Four Winds, the decision was recently made to turn this area into a full-fledged zone. While some of the quests do take players back into Valley, Krasarang has a distinctive look and unique quest sequences involving the spirituality of the Red Crane and destructive presence of the Sha. There are plans to develop the coastal area further in 5.1 with Alliance and Horde fortresses, and it is also currently home to The Anglers, a faction perfect for those who love to fish.

We have a visual preview below, as well as a Blizzard Q&A on the zone!

The Anglers

The Anglers are a group of Pandaren fisherman that hope to feed their people and grow their knowledge of fishing. They've set up base in a series of wooden houses perched over the water on sandy coastal islands. You'll also find a variety of NPCs drawn together by their love of fishing--Pandaren, humans, Tuskarr, Jinyu, Hozen, and goblins.

Zhu Province

Zhu's Descent, Zhu's Bastion, Wild's Edge Inn

Zhu Province, formerly a successful area founded by the legendary Zhu Longbrow, is plunged into despair after the Sha drained the pools, filled them with horrific elementals, and created endless rain. With the help of Ken-Ken, an optimistic Hozen from the monastery, you try to find the root of the corruption and restore happiness to Zhu Province.

Mei Barrelbottom, the one pandaren not affected by the Sha, explains the history of the area:

Centuries ago, this land was still part of the wilds. Reaching the coast was a perilous journey, and many pandaren were lost to the beasts which roam Krasarang, nest of the great crane.

That is, until the famous hunter Zhu Longbrow came along. Tired of the needless loss of life, Zhu, along with his wife Rin and their son Po - both formidable hunters in their own right - carved out and settled a corner of the wilds.

Zhu did not want to settle the wilds entirely, though many begged him to do so. In his wisdom, he understood that they, too, served a purpose: protecting the great crane.

Thus Zhu Province was born, and Zhu's Bastion to protect it.

Krasari Ruins

The night elves and Kang Bramblestaff are investigating the Mogu artifacts and their strange arcane magic. Kang Bramblestaff is suspicious of the Mogu using arcane magics--they haven't used sophisticated magic for years. He's also perplexed by the night elves and their foreign culture, who suddenly appeared from a Darnassus portal and cannot return.

Some of the night elves, on the other hand, are initially interested in the arcane magics--Lorekeeper Vaeldrin thinks it can restore immortality. His daughter, Lyalia, is less certain and wants to simply protect her fellow Sentinels and carry out Tyrande's orders.

From a Night Elf Sentinel:

High Priestess Tyrande was hesitant to approve this mission.

She seemed to believe the source of Vaeldrin's research to be a double edged sword.

After spending days in that arcanic oubliette, I am beginning to think she might not have been wrong.

Lyalia:

My father would tell you were are here for the Pools of Youth.

The real story is that our lady Tyrande Whisperwind has had visions of a great light we would... will... find on this journey. A light that will need to be found and defended.

My father insists it is the Pools of Youth.

I think he is blinded by a decade of obsession.

Krasarang Beach

Turtle Beach, Krasarang Cove, Narsong Trench, Sandy Shallows

Krasarang Beach will be the location for future Alliance and Horde fortress as part of war developments and an invasion in 5.1.

Temple of the Red Crane

Redwing Refuge

The Pandaren rely upon the wisdom in the Temple of the Red Crane to explain the strange visions they've been having of Mantids assaulting their homes. Unfortunately, it's been infested by the Sha. You must help the Redwings protect the temple and their refugees. This area still seems to be in development with incomplete textures, but it has the makings of something epic.

We also meet up with Anduinn Wrynn again:

If you've come to return me to my father, I must ask that you look around us first - can we truly walk away from these people in their time of need and still claim to represent the Alliance?

Nayeli Lagoon

Unga Ingoo, Marista, Marista's Bait and Brew, Kea Krak

The Nayeli Lagoon is bordered by several large islands, including Marista, run by fishermen. There's also enemy ships nearby, and it's the location for one of the optional side-quest chains in the zone.

Southern Isles

This is a sacred area to the Pandaren--the birthplace of the Red Crane.

Thelonius (of course, a Monk):

This is the hallowed birthplace of Chi-Ji, the Red Crane, the Southern Celestial. Followers and acolytes of Chi-Ji gather in this palce to train their bodies, to hone their minds, to duel one another, and to better themselves in the eyes of the Red Crane.

You are welcome to join us in our training, rogue. Bring with you a stout heart and a stout staff.

Krasarang River

Many quest chains take part in this central area, a river with shallow pools teeming with wildlife. There are Alliance and Horde settlements, as well as a Jinyu base.

Always Loremasters, the night elves have uncovered and translated a book explaining the history of Krasarang:

The Dungeons of Dojan--Translated by Lorekeeper Vaeldrin--

It was the Sovereign Emperor, Dojan Firecrown, who brought the legions down upon the Krasarang Jungle, crushing its defenses and adding it to the empire.

Krasarang was the last of the freeholds, a festering jungle of brigands and rebels, seeking to hide from his grace's wrath.

The true prize though was the legendary Pools of Youth. The FIrecrown was late in his years and dreamed of the power such pools could provide if under his sway.

The Veiled Stair

This small zone connects Valley of the Four Winds to The Jade Forest, as well as provides an entrance to Terrace of Endless Spring.

Here you'll find Wrathion, of Fangs of the Father fame, resting at an inn--looks like he's making good on his promise to explore and travel. The area is very steep and misty, leading to breathtaking views as you head north. You'll also find a dark cavern that will eventually lead to Kun-Lai Summit (which is currently closed off).

Blizzard Q&A with Zach Owens

Blizzard

Q. Could you name three places you feel players shouldn’t miss on their first journey through the zone?A. Only three?! That’s not easy. The jungles of Krasarang Wilds are as gorgeous as they are deadly. I often catch myself just staring off into the trees, watching for movement, soaking in the sounds of the rivers and the local wildlife. It isn’t long before your eyes find a hint of ruins and other things long buried beneath the trees.

First, the Ruins of Dojan in the eastern portion of the zone are a stunning collection of architecture left behind by the murderous mogu during the height of their power. Tribes of the mogu have returned to these ancient dwellings to search for relics and weapons left behind by their long-passed empire. It is from these ruins that the mogu are able to harass and threaten the newly arrived tauren Sunwalkers of Thunder Cleft and the battalion of night elf sentinels at the Incursion. It will take a proper hero to aid the Horde and Alliance forces from being annihilated before they even get their bearings.

Second up on my list is one of my favorite buildings in all of Pandaria. Hidden away in the deepest part of the jungle is the mighty Temple of the Red Crane. Once a symbol of hope for Pandaria, the temple is under siege by the Sha of Despair. Players will have the opportunity to fight alongside the powerful Red Crane monks and a young human prince to free the August Celestial from the very embodiment of Despair.

Lastly, for those fond of extreme fishing, the Angler's Wharf is the place to be! Some of the greatest fishers from all of Azeroth have found their way to this remote location off the southern end of Krasarang. Here, players will encounter some familiar faces and new fishing legends. Whether a fan of fishing or adventure, there is plenty of both to be found here.

Q. From a story perspective, what are the major things happening here?A. Krasarang Wilds has a leap frog approach to its story telling. Players travelling from east to west will trade off engaging the Sha of Despair while aiding the Alliance and/or Horde against the dangers of the land. Combined with a number of smaller questing hubs, players will find that their story experience in the jungle will call them to action as the protagonist who must be the beacon of hope for the zone.

The Krasarang Wilds have a deep history and more than just animals are hidden beneath the canopy of this ancient jungle. It has been the prison of the Sha of Despair for ages. Before that, it was a prison crafted and ruled by the ancient mogu emperors who were at war with monsters of their own creation: the saurok.

It is here that the Temple of the Red Crane has stood for thousands of years as a testament to the hope of the pandaren people.

And as the players arrive, they will see the dramatic impact of what happens when that beacon of hope falters. The mogu have returned to their ancient dwellings, searching for lost magics and buried weapons left behind by their ancestors. The saurok raid anyone that has their back turned. The fisherfolk of Marista are harassed by the hozen of Unga Ingoo. Even the terrifying mantid have been seen east of the Serpent's Spine. And the monks of the Red Crane are assailed by the Sha of Despair and its minions.

It is in all of this that a small group of Horde and Alliance forces have landed, drawn by visions of healing and power. Unlike Nazgrim and Taylor's advance forces in the Jade Forest, these travelers are divided in their goals and purpose, and will need all the help they can get from the players to find their moral compass.

This zone also picks up the story of our monk friends from the Tian Monastery as they continue their search for the Hidden Master. Ken-Ken has searched the eastern wind only to find Zhu's Bastion, a pandaren village responsible for holding back the dangers of the Krasarang Wilds. But these brave watchers have succumbed to the Sha of Despair, and Ken-Ken is running out of ideas on how to cheer these sad pandaren up.

Following the southern winds, the mighty and impulsive Kang Bramblestaff has come across the new strangers of the Horde and Alliance. Putting his search for the Hidden Master on hold, Kang finds his mighty staff is needed to aid these strangers as they are forced to confront a villainous mogu.

The Krasarang Wilds are an expansive jungle that holds many secrets. The more players explore, the more story and adventure they will uncover.

Q. What sort of races and factions can we look forward to?A. Krasarang is home to a number of races the players will probably already have encountered in the Jade Forest: the murderous and rampaging saurok, the brutal and dominating mogu, and the life-sucking Sha of Despair. Travelers will also find Jinyu near the great river of the zone and pirate hozen along the southern isles of Unga Ingoo.

But this is the zone where most players will get their first real taste of the mantid. Scouts and vanguard of the swarm have made it over the great wall of the Serpent's Spine and are amassing in the western portion of the jungle.

As for factions, the August Celestials and the Anglers are looking for assistance from any high level adventurers willing to brave the jungle. On the southern islands, monks of the red crane spar with one another seeking the admiration and approval of their celestial. So you can test your mettle against these devotees and maybe earn the respect of the red crane while you’re at it.

At the aforementioned Angler's Wharf you can look forward to some exciting extreme fishing! The Anglers will be looking for any players willing to aid them in getting the greatest catch or fending off some of the more rascally dangers of the lagoons. Not a fan of swimming? Not to worry! These talented fishermen can provide a raft guaranteed to keep you afloat . . . until it doesn't.